CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE:
OCTAVIA’S SECRET MEETING
Gazing down at her spellbook as she walked down the hall to her room in The Wizard Citadel, Princess Octavia Brock thought of her final test to come the next day. Though she was currently learning much from Tharadol Meiss, the powerful head wizard of the citadel, she would soon trade in the novice attire she wore tonight for scarlet robes that more befitted her style and slender frame. Then she would apprentice further under the sage Falldrim for at least a few more years.
As she reached the door to her room, Octavia drew back her hood, shook out her long hair and placed her hand on the door knob. Then stopped. Listening intently, she could hear movement in the room. Barely, but it was there. Could it be Tharadol? The old man had trained the royal house in magic since forever, it seemed.
Perhaps he was checking up on her to see if she was ready for tomorrow? It took everything, both physical and mental strength, and to their limits, to pass the final test. Most did not finish it. Then a smile overtook her face of worry. Of course it could be Silas. Her close friend at the citadel was quite the trickster.
The princess took a breath and readied a fireball spell in case it was an intruder, then opened the door quickly with her right arm stretched forward and palm out.
“Hello, my daughter.” came a familiar, comforting voice.
King Gideon Brock sat at the bottom of her bed in chain mail and cloak, with his sword at his side. He then stood up and walked toward her. Happy to see her father, Octavia met him in the middle of the room for an embrace, forgetting to close the door behind her. It was closed, however, by Noltas, one of the king’s Valor Masters and good friend since childhood.
“Father! What do I owe for this surprise?! I am so happy to see you!” announced Octavia. Then she hugged him again, and looked over the room, but it was just the three of them. It was odd and, quite frankly, concerning. A second later the princess looked at Noltas.
The sword master could tell what she was thinking. “Yes, my princess, it is just me with the king. Not even the other Valor Masters are here.”
King Brock, letting go of the embrace, looked at his daughter. “You have always looked like your mother. But tonight...even more...” Brock’s voice trailed off as he smiled at Octavia and walked toward the window in the room. He looked out into the night and then looked at Noltas.
Sensing her father wanted secrecy, Octavia waved her left hand and the window shut. She waved her right hand and the drapes were closed.
“Father, I am so pleased to see you, but...”
King Brock cut her off. “I know. I know. My dear, we must talk. However, I did not want to be seen here. That is why I have come in secret. I would have brought all five of the Valor Masters with me, but they are now leading Dwarf Queen Rayma and Prince Basrak back to The Dwarven Mountains to lead their women, children and old back to Aubrelon. Only Tharadol knows that I am here, and that is how I would like to keep it.”
Octavia spoke, “Illuminate.” The three candles in the room started to flame as her thoughts began to race with her father’s news.
Noltas moved from the door to a corner of the room and leaned against the wall with his arms crossed. King Brock turned from looking at the newly closed drapes to his daughter.
“I am going to The Dwarven Mountains,” replied King Brock. “I asked Tharadol for help, but he said the wizards will not move unless the invasion touches human lands.” Then Brock gave a quick laugh as he shook his head. “And even then I do not think he and the council will move.”
The Princess’ eyes widened, then she composed herself. “Is it that bad? I thought King Ironhearth had everything under control? I thought...”
King Brock looked away and shook his head. “Yes. Yes, I know, but that is the politics I must play for the kingdom to feel safe.” He moved his hand to the hilt of his sword, “Rosser...or Lord Grimdall, as he is calling himself now, has not only invaded The Dwarven Mountains from The Barren Wasteland, he has taken much of them, and Ironhearth and the dwarves are making perhaps their last stand. I leave, well...”
King Brock looked at Noltas. “We leave after this goodbye.” When his gaze returned to Octavia, King Brock continued, “Ironhearth came to my aid when General Rosser betrayed me. I will go to aid the Dwarf King now and Highlord Westley Beomont of Parnigal will run Aubrelon and the kingdom while I am gone.”
The swordsmaster nodded in agreement with Brock, then looked at Octavia. “I wanted to skip this meeting, with all due respect, my princess. Since Queen Ilsa Lightshower will not move the elves to help, time is of the essence.”
Seeing King Brock quiet and looking at his daughter as if it could be for the final time, Noltas continued. “We are bringing many of our knights and soldiers from the kingdom. After we say goodbye here, your father and I will meet up with them outside Tanisgroth. There he will lead our forces into the mountains and reinforce Dwarf King Ironhearth.
“The power Rosser has gained is immense,” added King Brock, finding his voice. Then he mustered a smile to keep his daughter from worry. “So I wanted to see you one last…”
Octavia walked towards her father. She grabbed his arm with both hands. “Take me with you. Wait till tomorrow. I will pass the test and fight by your side. Tharadol says I am already stronger than mother was when she left to become your queen and raise a family. Give me this honor!”
King Gideon Brock looked at Octavia. He looked as a father looking proudly at a daughter who had become all he’d hoped. All that she had hoped. Then his gaze softened. He looked as a king looking at a princess, and a king without a prince. A moment later he touched her cheek lovingly.
“No. If I fall, I need to know you will take care of the kingdom. You can defend our castle, our lands, if I fall. The goblins will move in my absence. King Taudridor would move again on Aubrelon. There is no doubt.”
Octavia looked at the floor, trying to take in all that this surprise visit was becoming, when her father continued. “You are smart. You are becoming powerful now. Tomorrow I have no doubt you will pass the test. Knowing you, you will pick scarlet robes in place of these,” spoke Brock, feeling the cuff of her sleeve. Then he smiled. “You have always loved scarlet.”
Noltas stood up and bowed at Brock. “Gideon...My king, we must leave soon. We have tarried long enough.”
Octavia looked at her father's closest friend and nodded. Tears started to well up in her eyes, but she stood strong, knowing this could be the last time she saw her father. The last memory he would have of her as he left for battle.
Brock pulled off the necklace he always wore and placed it over his daughter’s long hair. It was the necklace her mother, Queen Marianna, had given him before she died. The crest of Elion, god of all creation, was always next to his heart. Now it would be next to hers. Then King Brock kissed Octavia’s cheek and stepped away with Noltas.
“Wait!” yelled the princess. “Do not go yet.”
Octavia steadied herself as her father and the sword master looked back.
“I pray Elion hears my prayers and brings you back to me, father. That is all I want, but if you fall, know that this is what awaits any who would try to take our kingdom.”
Octavia closed her eyes and lifted her arms in the air. She spoke, “FLAME!”
King Brock watched as his daughter was slowly enveloped by fire. Her eyes turned red as she began to hover above the floor. The power she exuded surprised even the battle hardened Noltas. Both men were forced back against the wall to escape the flame. Then they watched as Octavia’s feet hit the floor. After grabbing onto her staff more firmly to steady herself, Octavia then blew a kiss of fire that landed on her father's cheek, which promptly extinguished into a small puff of smoke.
King Brock looked at his only daughter and smiled. “Your mother would be proud. I am proud.” Then he looked up to the ceiling.
“And Elion have mercy on anyone who would try to take our kingdom, if I fall.”
